FEATURE: WEEKLY EVENTS ROUND UP

OUR WEEKLY ROUND-UP OF THE BEST CULTURAL PICKS FOR THE WEEK

By NARC.
on Monday, December 5th, 2016

Image of Ayanna Witter-Johnson

Stuck for something to do in the next seven days? We aim to have you covered with an event a day for the next week, all across the region. This time around we have panel show comedy fun, passionate theatre, the all-time classic Christmas film and a whole lot more…

Monday 5th DecemberART & LITPunk 1976-78 @ Sunderland Museum & Library
This new exhibition launched on Saturday, and while it runs until February, we recommend kicking off your week with a celebration of the 40th anniversary of the scene which kicked off at everything that was wrong with the world. Its influence is still felt throughout music, journalism, politics, fashion and spawned some of the finest bands who knew how to dish out something fast and furious.

Tuesday 6th DecemberCOMEDY Panelbeaters @ The Stand, Newcastle
This monthly treat takes the panel show format that we’ve become so accustomed to as television staple, and cuts straight to the hilarity. A stellar line-up of comedy talent includes TV regulars like Gary Delaney, Jo Caulfield and Mick Ferry, top newcomer Rob Mulholland and local comedy hero Gavin Webster, plus ringmaster Caimh McDonnell in a no holds barred fight to the funny.

Wednesday 7th DecemberSTAGEHow Did We Get To This Point? @ Alphabetti Theatre, Newcastle
As Alphabetti is about to say goodbye to its current home before taking on pastures new, this new show is set to leave an indelible mark on all those who go to see it as a story that is immensely personal, but then, it also something a whole lot more. It’s filled with a lot of stories, some from people whose voices can get lost and sort of sums up a lot of what Alphabetti is all about.

Thursday 8th DecemberSTAGEThe Terminal Velocity of Snowflakes @ Live Theatre, Newcastle
The thought that no two snowflakes are alike is a simple but quite beautiful one, and the story here of Rosie and Charlie shares a similar thought from Trafalgar Square to Chillingham Road, thanks to growing up, falling in love and letting those tiniest of moments change an eternity.

Friday 9th DecemberMUSICAyanna Witter-Johnson @ The Jazz Cafe, Newcastle
The Jazz Cafe has outdone itself in this real coup of a booking, with a quite gorgeous, soulful voice in store from this talented artist who has her debut album out next year. The singer-songwriter, cellist, pianist and all round bewitching performer is the best kind of company for a Friday night.

Saturday 10th DecemberSTAGEJack & The Beanstalk @ Customs House, South Shields
These weekly round-ups are probably going to offer up a fair share of Christmas themed activities over the next couple of weeks, and Panto season arrives in December like a good snowfall (has anyone seen the snow by the way?). There’ll be plenty of people reading this who’ve never been to one though, and given the toll this year has taken on us, a bit of silly fun might be just what you need.

Sunday 11th DecemberFILMIt’s A Wonderful Life @ Tyneside Cinema, Newcastle
It’s probably unlikely that you’re reading this and still haven’t seen It’s A Wonderful Life. It’s as much a Christmas staple for many of us as the dinner, the presents and the company of an uncle with slightly troubling views. This heart-warming film from Frank Capra with a star turn from James Stewart has lots of showings, but Sunday is a chance to mark two whole weeks until Christmas with a film to get you in the mood.

And for something a little different…
We thought we’d throw in something of an online treat too, in case a chaotic work week and Christmas shopping has you unable to make any of the above. Hot Gulp are a local sketch trio who made it big in 2014, thanks to a parody of a Christmas advert that was all over our TV screens that year. This is hilarious, and well worth a watch to put a smile on a dreary day. If you like it too, comedian, and one third of Hot Gulp, Hal Branson is performing in a comedy show alongside comedy favourites like Ben Crompton, Joby Mageean and John Whale at Cumberland Arms on Thursday 8th December, with more info here.